Category: Fundraising
Dunston St Peter’s C of E Primary School is taking part in Rudy’s Run 2023 in memory of adored teacher Mrs Popple
This December, local primary school Dunston St Peter’s C of E are taking part in St Barnabas Hospice’s festive fundraiser Rudy’s Run for the fourth year in a row.
The fundraiser is an opportunity to have some festive fun whilst making a difference to those in the local community this Christmas. On a date of choice, pupils can run, dance or prance as they take part in their very own Rudy’s Run whilst raising vital funds for Hospice care in Lincolnshire.
Mrs Popple, a beloved teacher, was described by staff members as the beating heart of the school, with an infectious personality and wicked sense of humour.
Before her sudden death in the summer of 2022, Mrs Popple trailblazed fundraising initiatives for St Barnabas Hospice; a charity that meant a lot to the school, and her personally.
Dunston primary school have previously taken part in the Hospice’s Young at HeART initiative and even hosted a ‘Dunston’s Got Talent’ competition, all in aid of raising money for local hospice care.
Abigail Burland, a teacher at the primary school, says: “Mrs Popple really loved getting involved with Rudy’s run! It is a firm favourite with the children and raises funds for a charity very close to our hearts.
“It is a brilliant way for us to make a difference to those in the local community whilst honouring Mrs Popple and the activities she enjoyed with the children.”
St Barnabas Hospice provide everything you need to take part including Rudy’s accessories, letters to send to parents, a guide to set up a Just Giving page, and an activity pack.
Abigail continues: “We love taking part in Rudy’s Run especially when we get a visit from Rudy himself. Even the teachers get involved by dressing up for the run!
“We enjoy the silliness of it all and the chance to shake off the winter cold with a fun run around the playground with Rudy. Sometimes we even challenge ourselves to see who can be the fastest.”
It is completely free to sign up to St Barnabas’ festive fundraiser, with the Hospice asking that each child taking part aims to raise £3.
Abigail says: “Our community have had first-hand experience of the vital support and care that St Barnabas provide. We absolutely encourage other schools to join Rudy’s Run and raise money for such a great cause.”
St Barnabas is an independent, local charity that supports over 12,000 patients, their families, and carers each year. Every pound raised truly matters to the Hospice, who give their sincere thanks to all children, parents, teachers and staff members for their generous support.
To sign up your school, preschool, nursery, or community group to Rudy’s Run today and join over 8,000 other participating children across Lincolnshire, please visit the St Barnabas Hospice website: https://stbarnabashospice.co.uk/rudysrun/
Free Will Cafes running throughout October
Every day, St Barnabas Hospice are privileged to see the impact that legacy donors make on the services we provide to the people of Lincolnshire. These remarkable gifts help us expand our services, set up new initiatives and support our staff. But there is always so much more that we would like to do.
In light of this, we are launching our Free Will Cafés across Lincolnshire. These are regular, free events providing face-to-face support, run in our Wellbeing Centres throughout the county.
The Cafés will provide you with the chance to meet with a legal professional, receive advice and take guided steps towards making your Will. Representatives from St Barnabas will also be available throughout the sessions for you to talk to.
During Hospice Care Week (9th – 15th October), the Free Will Cafés are due to run at our Lincoln and Boston Wellbeing Centres. To find out more information and book your 30-minute appointment with a legal professional, please go to either of the following links:
- https://stbarnabashospice.co.uk/events/free-will-cafe-lincoln
- https://stbarnabashospice.co.uk/events/free-will-cafe-boston
If you would like to receive further information about writing a will with our service, please contact Ellie Carter, Legacy advisor at St Barnabas on ‘[email protected]‘ or 01522 540 300.
Please note: When making a simple Will, the service is provided for free. If you have more complex circumstances, there will be a small charge for making your Will, however, this is at a reduced rate.
Going once, twice, sold: HeARTs under the hammer
This summer, St Barnabas Hospice is spreading joy and awareness of hospice care through their HeART Trail.
Thirty beautiful heart-shaped sculptures are currently on display around Lincolnshire for families to enjoy until 4th September, with Trail guides and maps available to purchase from the Hospice’s 25 charity shops.
Once the Trail ends, the Lincoln Museum (formerly The Collection) will be hosting a HeART Reunion exhibition from 12th until 28th September where people can see all the sculptures in one place.
On the last evening of the Reunion, the museum will host an auction of eleven HeART Trail sculptures. Tickets for this exclusive event have just been released via the charity’s website.
Caroline Swindin, Head of Fundraising & Lottery at St Barnabas, says: “Bidding on one of our Trail sculptures is an amazing opportunity to support local hospice care and obtain a unique ‘HeARTwork’.
“The bidding for each of these stunning HeARTs will start at £3,000, with some of the bespoke metal and wooden sculptures expecting to raise over £10,000 each.
“All funds raised on the night will go to St Barnabas, so we can keep caring for people with life-limiting and terminal illnesses around the county. If we raise a total of £50,000, we can fund a nurse for a whole year to provide vital care in patients’ own homes.
“We organised the HeART Trail to show our love for the communities that we serve every day, with over 12,000 people receiving our care annually. The Trail has seen massive amounts of people take part so far, and we hope the auction will be a huge success too.
“We want to raise as much as we can, so if you’re interested in art and supporting a local, independent charity, don’t miss out. If you can’t make it to the auction, we have a proxy bid form you can complete on our website.
“Apply for tickets for the HeART Trail auction and get your bidding paddle in the air!
Space in the Lincoln Museum is very limited, with only a few dozen tickets available at £15 each, including welcome drinks and canapés. St Barnabas kindly ask for people to only purchase a ticket if they are interested in bidding on the night.
To find out more and buy tickets to the HeART Trail auction on 28th September, visit: https://stbarnabashospice.co.uk/hearttrail/auction/
St Barnabas gives thanks to the Lincoln Museum for hosting the auction, to Brown& Co JHWalter for running the evening’s bidding, and to HeART Trail sponsors Tipsy Imp for providing the auction’s drinks reception.
Dunston school raises £1,500 for St Barnabas with fun-day
St Peter’s C of E Primary School recently celebrated the life of their beloved Mrs Popple, who provided wraparound care at the school until her sudden death last year.
The celebrations took place on 20th July, one year since Sharon Popple’s sadly died. They aimed to raise £500 for St Barnabas Hospice, a charity that meant a lot to Sharon and the whole school.
All staff members, children and their parents turned out to take part in the fun-day which included a tombola, bouncy castle, water activities, a flyover from the Red Arrows, and the children competing in Sharon’s favourite activity of all: Dunston’s Got Talent.
At the end of this extraordinary day the school had smashed their £500 target, raising over £1,500 for their favourite charity, St Barnabas Hospice.
Emma Toulson, Deputy at St Peter’s School, said: “Mrs Popple was the beating heart of our school.
“Her infectious personality and wicked sense of humour made everyone feel like they truly mattered and she kept us laughing every day. She was a ‘mother’ to all and gave the best hugs.
“She loved sunflowers, so our children have made a sunflower memorial which takes pride of place inside the school. We remember her warmth and caring nature, and we miss her every day.
“We have supported St Barnabas for years by taking part in their annual festive funrun Rudy’s Run and the children have created a heart sculpture for the Young at HeART Trail which is currently on display at the Waterside in Lincoln.
“St Barnabas is such an important charity for the community and many staff members from our school’s overarching Spire Federation have received care and support from them. This day of activities is a way of giving back while remembering our incredible Mrs Popple.”
St Barnabas in an independent, local charity that supports over 12,000 patients, their families, and carers each year. Annually they need to raise over £6.5 million to keep providing their compassionate, dignified care to people with a life-limiting or terminal illness.
This free care is provided in people’s own homes, as well as in two Hospice buildings and six Wellbeing Centres around the county.
Every pound raised truly matters to St Barnabas, who give their sincere thanks to all children, parents, teachers and staff members for their generous support. St Peter’s School’s incredible donation of £1,500 could pay for 79 hours care of patients in their own home, which costs the charity £18.84 per hour.
To find out more about St Barnabas and the care services it provides to the people of Lincolnshire every day, visit: www.stbarnabashospice.co.uk
Photo of two women: L-R Abigail Burland and Emma Toulson
St Barnabas 40th Anniversary Gin and Rum nearly sold out
Last year, St Barnabas Hospice teamed up with Louth Distillery (former Bottomley Distillers) to create delicious gin and rum blends to commemorate the charity’s 40th anniversary.
From the sale of each bottle, £14 is donated directly to St Barnabas.
The delicious drinks, aptly named Est.1982 Ruby Gin and Rum respectively, have so far raised over £10,000 for local hospice care, with limited stock still available via the charity’s online shop by clicking here.
The Est.1982 Ruby Gin is infused with strawberries and elderflowers with added flavours of citrus and cinnamon. It is a classic dry gin with a twist, lovely with a tonic.
Distilled with Caribbean sugar cane, the Est.1982 Ruby Rum is a reminder of a tropical beach holiday. It is sweetened with fresh pineapple and bananas, plus a touch of cinnamon and ginger.
Caroline Swindin, Head of Fundraising and Lottery at St Barnabas, says: “These blends have been really popular and we don’t have many bottles left. They’re just £28 each and made by the creators of Pin Gin, so you know they’re made with love and expertise. If you want some – be quick!
“Both the gin and rum make for a perfect summer’s drink to enjoy in the sunshine when hosting a Care for a Cuppa fundraiser for us, or winding down on a warm night.
“They also are excellent gifts to thank your clients, partners, or employees. Some of our corporate supporters have done this before to thank their excellent staff members – much to their delight!”
Amy Conyard, of Louth Distillery, home of Pin Gin says: “We are very pleased to be supporting St Barnabas Hospice, they do so much good for the county and almost everyone knows a person who has received care from them over the past fourty years.
“The gin and rum are delicious flavours that are perfect for summertime drinks. We have distilled both here in Louth, especially for St Barnabas supporters to enjoy.”
All profits from the sale of the bottles will go directly to care for people with palliative and end-of-life needs in Lincolnshire.
Each year, St Barnabas supports over 12,000 people, including patients, their family, friends, and carers. All care is offered free of charge, and much of this work is reliant on donations and fundraising.
By buying a bottle (or two!) of Est.1982 Ruby Gin and Rum, you will be supporting hospice care in communities around the county. Visit https://stbarnabashospice.co.uk/shop/onlineshop to purchase.
St Barnabas delighted with £90,354 donation from Lincolnshire Co-op members
St Barnabas Hospice has received a donation of £90,354 from the Lincolnshire Co-op and its members through their Community Champions scheme.
St Barnabas was the chosen Champion in various locations in the county, including the city of Lincoln, East Lindsey, South Holland and other areas. Every time a member shopped in a Lincolnshire Co-op outlet between March and June, a donation was made to their local Champion.
Money was also raised through activities, staff and community fundraising events and collection boxes throughout spring. A total of £165,929 was raised for local hospices, with St Barnabas receiving the majority.
Rebecca Franks, Director of Patient Care at St Barnabas says: “We are so grateful to the Lincolnshire Co-op and all its supporters for this incredible donation. It will make a huge difference in the care we provide.
“To give an indication of how far this money will go, £896 pays for one day of a patient’s stay in our Hospice for specialist end–of-life care. We also offer our care and support in people’s own homes around the county, which comes at a cost of £18.84 per hour.
“Apart from vital medical care, we also provide wellbeing services such as counselling, bereavement support, welfare and benefits advice. £57.10 pays for our bereavement helpline to run for a day so we can give urgent support to those struggling with their grief.
“All our care and support are free of charge to the patient as we believe everyone should have access to high-quality, compassionate care when they need it.
“As a charity, we rely on the kind donations of local people, and we put that money right back into their own community. Annually we need to raise over £6.5million to continue providing our service, so this donation is very gratefully received.”
Sam Turner, Community Manager at Lincolnshire Co-op, said: “St Barnabas has been there for so many families in our community during some of their most difficult times, providing essential care and enabling terminally ill patients to live the remainder of their lives comfortably and with dignity.
“This funding has come directly from the community that they work so hard to support, making it even more special.
“Thank you so much to our amazing members, colleagues and customers, who have all contributed to this total by getting involved with fundraising, donating change or shopping with their dividend cards.”
To find out more about St Barnabas Hospice, the care services it provides and how to support the charity further, visit: www.stbarnabashospice.co.uk
£1,000 St Barnabas lottery win for Jim
Jim Hardy recently won a whopping £1,000 in the St Barnabas lottery, a prize that must be won by one lucky winner every week.
Jim has played the lottery for seven years, along with his mother and brother, to thank the charity for the end-of-life care given to his father Steve.
Steve loved fishing and made his passion into his job as he worked in outdoor and fishing shops after first working as an art teacher and postman. Jim remembers his father as an avid reader of World War books, model aircraft builder and having a flair for cooking.
Steve was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis and suffered a heart attack at the age of 50, which is when he took an early retirement. The family received a big shock in July 2015 when, after he had not been well for some time and suffering particularly from a painful back, he was given a diagnosis of cancer in his spine and lymph nodes.
Jim says: “Dad was in hospital for a while, which he really didn’t take well to – the constant noises, flickering lights, and general hustle and bustle agitated him. He came home and St Barnabas nurses supported him there, installing a syringe driver into his arm which gave a regular dose of morphine to help with the pain.”
After some time, Steve was taken to the Inpatient Unit in Lincoln, where St Barnabas staff could look after him around the clock.
Jim says: “Dad experienced more peace here – it was much quieter than the hospital and we didn’t have to adhere to any visiting times, we could stay as long as we wanted. The staff quickly became like friends; they really are experts at giving wonderful end of life care and providing support to family members. We felt so welcome, and nothing was too much trouble.”
During the five weeks Steve was in the Hospice, Jim and his family (including his Mum and his twin brother) rotated their visits daily. During Steve’s final week, Jim’s family stayed at the Hospice overnight, with one family member always awake by Steve’s bedside.
Jim says: “The care we received that week was amazing, and we are incredibly fortunate that we got to experience this time as a family. To grieve, laugh, cry, and reminisce together before death is an incredibly special thing, and we are forever grateful to St Barnabas making this time so memorable.
“The last few months before Dad’s death was obviously an emotional time for all of us. It was incredibly sad seeing Dad get worse, but it was a time that allowed all the family to come together too. We shared stories of past times, talked about our futures, and I learned so much about my Dad that I’d never heard before.”
Steve Hardy died on 10th November 2015 in the St Barnabas Inpatient Unit, surrounded by his family. Ever since, Jim and his family have been supporting the hospice care charity, by playing the weekly lottery as well as other initiatives and fundraisers.
Jim says: “I felt a little guilty when I found out I had won £1,000! But this changed to feeling lucky when I realised that for a lottery to exist, there must be some winners. My wife and I bought a house last summer and with this money we’ll buy a few things for our garden.”
Every Friday, the charity’s lottery is drawn, with the top prize of £1,000 going to one lucky winner and a rollover game up to £7,000. Further prizes are £300, £200, and £100 which must be won every week.
To find out more about the St Barnabas Lottery and to sign up, visit: https://stbarnabashospice.co.uk/lottery/
Historic Aubourn Hall opens gardens for St Barnabas Hospice
Aubourn Hall, a 17th century manor house, is opening its beautiful gardens to the public on Sunday 2nd July between 10am – 3pm in support of St Barnabas Hospice.
This event will give visitors the rare opportunity to explore the vast gardens that are part of the historic manor built in 1628, which has remained in the Nevile family ever since.
The estate spans twelve acres and boast a variety of flowers, plants, shrubs, and trees, laid out into sections including woodlands with a prairie garden by the river Witham, a perfumed rose garden, multiple ponds and more.
Rebecca Franks, Director of Patient Care at St Barnabas, says: “Aubourn Hall only opens its beautiful gardens for charity events so this is an exclusive chance for people to explore whilst supporting local hospice care.
“We will be hosting a Care for a Cuppa fundraiser, selling refreshments and delicious cakes, gifts such as tea and coffee hampers and items for our upcoming HeART Trail, plus there will be a tombola with great prizes to win. You can meet St Barnabas staff and volunteers and find out more about all our services or how you can support us further.
“Entry will be free for children and £8 per adult, payable at the gate on arrival by cash or card so there is no need to book tickets in advance. There will also be plenty of free parking available.
“Each year, our charity provides high-quality, free care to over 12,000 people across Lincolnshire, in our Hospice buildings, patients’ own homes and in our six Wellbeing Centres. We could not do this without the support of people in our community, so we hope to welcome lots of people to Aubourn Hall.
“We look forward to seeing you on 2nd July!”
At the time of the event, the gardens will be in full bloom with the rose garden a particularly special sight to see and smell, wonderful walks through the woodlands and many other areas of the large estate to explore. Aubourn Hall’s gardens are fully accessible with disabled parking available.
Ant, Head Gardener at Aubourn Hall says: “We have very limited opening times, so this is a great way of viewing the gardens in the height of summer when the flowers and plants are flourishing.
“We open our gardens to support charities and St Barnabas was chosen as one of our beneficiaries this season. We want to help raise vital funds and awareness of an incredible charity that has touched the hearts of countless people over four decades through its care for people living with a life-limiting or terminal illness.
“We really look forward to the event, it is our way of saying ‘thank you’ and to show our appreciation. All proceeds of the open gardens will go to St Barnabas.”
To stay up to date with information surrounding the event on 2nd July and to register your interest, join the Facebook event page.
Carly skydives in memory of ‘life-changing’ teacher
This summer, Carly Young from Lincoln is taking on a true once in a lifetime experience: skydiving to support St Barnabas.
20-year-old Carly is taking on this exhilarating challenge in memory of her former teacher Sam Pickersgill, who received care from St Barnabas during the last months of her life. Sam was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2020, and the next year received the devastating news that she had a progressive brain and leptomeningeal disease.
St Barnabas were able to support Sam with medical care, equipment to help her around the house to be as independent as possible, and counselling for her and the whole family to come to terms with their situation.
The charity also supported Sam in the summer of 2022 in her plea for a fundraiser to give her two young children something to look forward to during such a hard time. Sadly, Sam died shortly after this.
Sam was much more than a teacher to Carly; she was a mentor, a friend, and the one person who made Carly feel that she could achieve anything.
Carly says: “When I was 14, I had to switch schools due to some behavioural issues I was experiencing. Adults had been telling me I would never amount to anything, that I wasn’t going to get anywhere and that nobody could help me. Sam proved them wrong, and I could not be more grateful to her for showing me the potential I have.
“Sam was my Head of Year and I used to go see her in her office at breaktimes, we would talk and she was always smiling and laughing. She had a photo of her children on her desk and would tell me all about them.
“Sam made me sign up for the 100m race at school. I was terrified as I don’t like having a spotlight on me, but she gave me the confidence to go for it… and I came in 1st place! Sam was at the finish line, gave me a big hug, and whispered, “I told you; you can do anything.”
“She made me feel loved and worthy. I believe if I didn’t meet Sam, I wouldn’t be where I am now, studying at university. Sam meant so much to me and there’s not enough words in the world to say how remarkable she was.”
Sam eventually left Carly’s school, The Priory Witham Academy, to teach at another secondary school. However, Carly and Sam stayed in touch and messaged each other frequently. This is how Carly found out about Sam’s diagnosis.
Carly says: “She’s the bravest and strongest woman I knew, and I will always keep that close to me. The last time I saw Sam was two weeks before she passed away, it felt like we were never apart. She hugged me and told me she loved me and to keep reaching for the stars. That’s what I will do for you, Sam.”
Carly’s skydiving adventure takes place on 3rd June at Hibaldstow Airfield, just outside of Lincoln. There are still places to book for this date and the secondary date of 10th September, via the St Barnabas website: https://stbarnabashospice.co.uk/events/skydives-2023/
The jump is a tandem skydive, meaning skydivers will be harnessed to a professional parachute instructor, who will also be in control of the landing. Skydivers must be at least 16 years of age, with no maximum age limit – depending on health.
This exhilarating experience costs just £50 to register, and St Barnabas kindly requests a fundraising minimum of £395.
Carly says: “I’ve never done any extreme sport like skydiving before but I’m really looking forward to it. I’m actually terrified of heights so I’m pushing myself out of my comfort zone! I know how proud Sam would be of me doing this skydive. Sam, when I’m up there, I hope you are flying right next to me. You will always be walking with me; I know you will.”
Annually, St Barnabas supports over 12,000 people across Lincolnshire who are living with a life-limiting or terminal illness. Each year, St Barnabas must raise at least £6.5million to keep its palliative and end of life care services available. The care that the charity offers free of charge would not be possible without the efforts of fundraisers such as Carly.
If skydiving is too extreme for you, but you would like to support St Barnabas, take a look at all upcoming fundraising ideas, events and activities: https://stbarnabashospice.co.uk/fundraising
Running a marathon for Hospice care
On 16th April, Lauren Wood from Lincoln laced up her trainers to run the Manchester Marathon in support of St Barnabas after the hospice charity looked after her mother.
To thank the Hospice’s staff for their good care of her beloved mother Carolyn, Lauren wanted to raise £500. She has absolutely smashed that target, with her JustGiving page currently standing at double – an incredible £1,000.
Carolyn was diagnosed with breast cancer in the mid-2010s, which she bravely fought. In 2019 she was suffering from headaches and thinking there may be a problem with be her vision, she visited her optician, who sent her straight to the hospital.
Carolyn was diagnosed with a brain tumour, which was operated on, and radiotherapy followed. Later that year, she became ill again and was in the hospital for some weeks before the family received the dreadful news that the cancer had spread to her liver.
Lauren says: “Mum had days or weeks to live, and said she didn’t want to go through treatment again. This is when St Barnabas stepped in. That very day, my father and I visited the Inpatient Unit in Lincoln so we could decide whether that would be a good fit her, and we were so pleased. The room available to her was quiet, private, and there were lots of nurses on hand.
“Mum was moved to the Hospice that night and I travelled in the ambulance with her. They washed her, helped her wear her own clothes and made her comfortable. In the hospital, mum hadn’t been drinking and her mouth looked sore and uncomfortable. Immediately the St Barnabas nurses helped her by use of a mouth cleaning kit, she looked much more peaceful and pain free after that.
“They were able to manage mum’s pain and also cared for us, they set up beds in her room so we could stay over with no visiting restrictions. We received endless cups of tea and coffee, and food was always provided if we needed it. No one was rushed, all the nurses were always in good spirits and loved finding out about mum’s life. They would talk to her even though she wasn’t conscious, as they said she could hear us, and we’d tell them funny stories about what she was like.”
Carolyn passed away on 6th October 2019 after a three-day stay at the Inpatient Unit, surrounded by her family. Lauren has been supporting St Barnabas ever since and signed up for the Manchester Marathon after having enjoyed running for many years.
She says: “I signed up and told St Barnabas I was running for them, and the team have been brilliant. There are a lot of check-ins from them along the way, with fundraising and training tips, as well as invites to group training with other people who are fundraising for them.
“I was invited to a Facebook group for fundraisers, which is great to keep each other going and where we can share our stories and progress. I received a goodie bag with St Barnabas merch, including a running top, water bottle and other items. This way, I never forget what I’m running for!
“The week before the marathon I was feeling nervous but excited. In that week St Barnabas had stepped into our lives again providing care at home for my father-in-law, Graham, in his last days with us. Race day was very emotional, and I spent a lot of the run with a lump in my throat. The best part for me was spotting my family cheering me on and stopping for a hug to keep me going.
“The crowds were amazing, shouting out the names on the runners’ tops, and children holding their hands out for a high five. It really got me through that midway struggle! There were bands, DJs and choirs all the way round to spur you on. Although it was tough on my body, I loved it and want to do another marathon for St Barnabas!”
St Barnabas encourage running enthusiasts to choose the Hospice as their charity to support when signing up to marathons this year. If you are still looking for a challenge, the charity has spaces available for the iconic Berlin Marathon, taking place on 24th September in the historic city. Click here to find out more and to book your space.
St Barnabas also offer exhilarating once in a lifetime adventures, such as skydiving and wing walking, where you are strapped into a seat on the wings of an airplane, and walking over fire or LEGO.
If these challenges are too extreme, there are many other ways to support the Hospice this summer, including hosting a coffee morning or Pub Quiz, by volunteering or shopping in its 25 Lincolnshire-wide shops or online. To find out all the ways you can support St Barnabas, visit: www.StBarnabasHospice.co.uk/Fundraising
Lauren says: “Mum loved shopping and was always picking things up she thought other people would like, we would often go around St Barnabas charity shops and hunt for a bargain. My mum lit up any room, you usually heard before you saw her! I miss her a lot, but I know what a difference St Barnabas’ care made to her last few days, and I am forever grateful.”
St Barnabas supports more than 12,000 people across Lincolnshire with a life-limiting or terminal illness each year, by offering free, high-quality, compassionate end-of-life care and support to patients, their families, and carers.